Blog Archives

Netflix recently two major changes to how it streams video to customers. First, Netflix video streams are more efficient and require less bandwidth. Second, Netflix is now offering a new higher quality 1080P video stream called “Super HD”. When the more efficient video streams appeared, it allowed for the delivery of 1080P video to households...

As I wouldn’t be at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that’s about to start, I’ve put together a quick list of things I will be watching for virtually. As much as I would like to attend the show this year, life’s too busy at the moment. I’m looking forward to...

As Washington prepares to drive us over the fiscal cliff, the impending tax hikes have pushed me to find ways to cut household costs (here’s a fiscal cliff calculator to see how much your taxes could go up). Looking at the family budget, cable TV is an obvious candidate to be cut. While cable...

What is it about Downton Abbey? Why is a show about stodgy English aristocrats and their servants in a old manse so popular? Is it that we long for a world with well defined rules and roles compared to the change and chaos of our complex modern world? Is it that we know that characters themselves...

The Playstation3 Netflix app has been updated once again. There have been two recent updates, the most recent being version 2.10. Since looking at version 2.08, there have been a number of additions and fixes. Like the Apple TV, you can sign up for Netflix directly from the PS3 app. You can also control the...

Have you noticed a change in the Netflix streaming’s video quality? Some Netflix customers have been asking that same question. In particular, customers with 1080P capable Netflix devices have noticed a significant change to how those devices display streaming video quality. I noticed the change a week ago as I was evaluating the WD...

Looking for some holiday fun after Christmas dinner? When you’re done playing with your new sonic screwdriver and TARDIS USB hub (I have one and USB hubs are cool), sit back and enjoy the annual Doctor Who Christmas special. The episode titled, The Snowmen will premiere on Christmas Day at 9 PM Eastern / 8...

Updated for Cyber Monday It’s time for Tech of the Hub’s 2012 Holiday Gift Guide. Here’s my recommanedations for the A/V geek in your life. Many of the deals listed here are valid on Black Friday except where noted. As I see any other interesting Black Friday deals, I will update this story. Streaming...

The Battlestar Galactica spin-off series, Blood and Chrome is now available on YouTube via the Machinima channel (videos below). When the first preview of Blood and Chrome leaked out on the Internet, it was unknown where the series would show up first: the SyFy channel, the web or some other distribution channel. According to...

TiVo is now pushing out their fall software update to the Premiere line of DVRs. The update started rolling out to customers about a week ago. While my TiVo Premiere downloaded the updated software on Monday, the flickering lights from Hurricane Sandy kept me from manually rebooting the Premiere to force the installation. Yes,...

It was reported today by Bloomberg news that Walmart will be the sole retail distributor for the new Boxee box. While the report stated that the Boxee would be available starting tomorrow, November 1st, I saw it at my local Walmart today. There were two units on the shelf available for sale at $98. The...